Hinojosa, M, Fischer, G, von Rickenbach, G, Vallejos, JA & Marambio, E 2024, 'Laboratory scale dynamic test of load distribution elements', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 925-935.
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_G-05/)
Abstract: Ground support systems must provide safe and effective designs for underground excavations in high--stress conditions. These systems must be capable of withstand dynamic impacts and yielding during the loading process. In this context, dynamic testing of the reinforcement and load distribution elements of the ground support system are necessary. 

Over the last decade, Geobrugg company has been working on improving ground support systems by testing them in a large-scale impact test facility located at Walenstadt, Switzerland. Kin the past few years, this innovative facility has been used to test various configurations of ground support systems. The results of these tests have improved the understanding of the behavior of ground support systems under dynamic loads. Inspired by these results, Geobrugg Andina Chile has built, calibrated (Hinojosa et al. 2023) and validated a facility for load distribution elements in Rancagua, Chile, at the GMTC (Geobrugg Mining Technology Center) laboratory. This test facility has the potential to be an invaluable tool to test, standardize, certify, improve, and contribute to the understanding of the behaviour of load distribution elements (and ground support systems in the future) under dynamic loads at laboratory-scale.